Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Pioneer SC-LX501 review

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AV receivers comparison chart

Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Pioneer SC-LX501 review

Sony STR-ZA3100ES
vs
Pioneer SC-LX501

Having had an opportunity to test Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Pioneer SC-LX501, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the STR-ZA3100ES has such a ratio W/Ohm - 70/8, 90/6, while the SC-LX501 has a power of 120/8, 180/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STR-ZA3100ES it is 0.09%, but for the SC-LX501 it is 0.08%. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Sony STR-ZA3100ES and Pioneer SC-LX501 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The SC-LX501 has access to the Spotify service.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the STR-ZA3100ES and the SC-LX501. Video scaling is only possible with the SC-LX501. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STR-ZA3100ES has 6/2, and the SC-LX501 has 7/2.Sony STR-ZA3100ES connectionsPioneer SC-LX501 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the STR-ZA3100ES. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. STR-ZA3100ES and SC-LX501 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer SC-LX501.

Additional features

Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in neither AV receiver. The Sony STR-ZA3100ES and the Pioneer SC-LX501 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.

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General

Item

Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Pioneer SC-LX501

Model

STR-ZA3100ES
SC-LX501

Brand

Sony
Pioneer

Reviews

4
0

Amplifier

Channels

7.2
7.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

70/8, 90/6
120/8, 180/6

Output impedance, Ohm

8, 6
8, 6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
20Hz-20KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.09
0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

DCAC EX
MCACC

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Sound Optimizer
Advanced Sound Retriever

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1
1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

has not
Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

6/2
7/2

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
2

Headphone output

0
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

2
2

Coaxial digital input

1
1

Composite input

2
2

Component input/output

2/0
1/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, setup mic
USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

HLG
DeepColor, x.v.Color, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

colour OSD
colour OSD

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
network, USB

Other additional features

has not
IP Control

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

2
2

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
speaker, preout

Zone HDMI output

Multi-room control

has not
Pioneer Control App, FlareConnect

RS-232

1
1

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/2
1/1

DC trigger output (12V)

3
2

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD
DTS Neo:X

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

has not
AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W

290
250

Standby consumption, W

0.3
0.15

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43 x 17.4 x 41/17 x 6.7 x 16.1
43.5 x 18.5 x 39.5/17 x 7 x 15.4

Weight, kg/lbs

12.7/28
11.8/26

Other

Release year

2017
2016
Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Pioneer SC-LX501
Sony STR-ZA3100ES
Pioneer SC-LX501

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 6.3
  • 8.1
  • 6.3Sony STR-ZA3100ES
  • 8.1Pioneer SC-LX501